'Never forget Horatia'
Sir: Following the review of Winifred Gerin's Horatia Nelson, I think your readers may be interested in this letter from Nelson to his daughter. It is in his own hand, and is framed with a mezzotint of Lord Nelson that is in my possession. I bought the en- graving some forty years ago as a present for my uncle by marriage, Admiral Edmond Hyde Parker, and I inherited it on his death.
'Victory' off Toulon Octr 21st 1803 My Dear child, Receive this first letter from your most affec- tionate Father.
If I live it will be my pride to see you virtuously brought up; but if it pleases God to call me I trust to himself, in that case, I have left Dear Lady Hamilton your guardian.
I therefore charge you my child on the value of a Fathers Blessing to be obedient and attentive to all her kind admonitions and instructions, at this moment I have left you a codicil dated this sixth of September the sum of four thousand pounds sterling the interest of which is to be paid to Lady Emma Hamilton your guardian for your maintenance and education.
I shall only say my Dear child may God almighty Bless you and make you an orna- ment to your sex which I am sure you will be if your attend to all Dear Lady Hamil- tons kind instructions, and be assured that I am my Dear Horatia your most affection- ate Father Nelson & Bronte To Miss Horatia Nelson Thompson The dealer in Shaftesbury Avenue from whom I bought it more or less threw in this letter with the picture, but I have no reason to doubt its authenticity.
Godfrey Nicholson Bussock Hill House, Newbury, Berkshire
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